Another Camping Trip

We are going to Hocking Hills this weekend with my brother Dan and his wife Ellen. (It's Ellen's first camping trip!! So Fun!) I just packed up the car so we can be ready to go in the morning. Last time we camped, we realized we're not going to be able to camp with kids unless we upgrade our vehicle or get a trailer or carrier. It's unreal all the stuff you have to bring with you. Wonder why it is you can never get everything back in exactly the way you started? Like a suitcase on a vacation. Usually, all the same stuff.... At least if you don't do a lot of shopping. I can never get it all to fit just right the second time around. Makes me crazy!!

We're camping along a river, so I imagine it will be nice and shady. The weather looks like it will be absolutely perfect! There is canoeing right down the road, and of course tons of great hiking trails in the area, so it should definitely be a great weekend. We went back in January for Jason's bday and did some winter hiking. It's really beautiful no matter what time of year you go. Check back for pictures next week!

Happy Independence Day everyone!! Have a great holiday weekend!

A Craving

I was craving pie the other day...so, I made two. :) Blueberry and Apple.

This was the first time I have ever made pie, and I must say, they actually turned out pretty good. I don't typically have much luck when trying to bake or cook. I once burned rice krispie treats (don't ask me how) and early in our relationship, I made Jason blue chicken. I still don't know how that happened...it was really actually blue. I will definitely try the pie again someday after this success. Maybe with a few people to share it with...it's a lot of pie for just two of us.

I was also craving meatloaf this weekend...so, I made that too. Sometimes, I'm not sure if it's really a craving, or something just sounds really good. Most times, I let it go for a day or two, and if I'm still thinking about a certain food, I get it one way or another. I have not had any "I need it now" cravings just yet. I'm hoping when I do, it's quicker than making homemade pie.

A "First" Father's Day

Jason's "first" Father's Day gift. :) Had to get one of each...and the neckholes are so tiny!

A Few Summer Favorites

My number one favorite of all time, of course....Jason. Especially with a good glass of wine.

Cute, isn't he?? :) We stopped at our favorite winery up north, Emerine Winery with Jason's sister (even though I couldn't enjoy it as much as they did) It's really a beautiful place, so the scenery and of course the company made up for my lack of wine tasting.

We had the wine at our wedding. They have wonderful flavors, such as Caramel Apple, Strawberry Shortcake and Tropical Paradise. Very fruity, very sweet. Not for you dry wine lovers. Jason and I found it by accident a couple of summers ago when he was showing me around the area. We walked in to what seemed like a private party but felt quite welcomed and received samples and snacks and basically fell in love with the wine. It's delicious. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend trying it out. We would be happy to even bring you a bottle home - just let us know!

Quickly becoming another favorite part of summer....Eddie's Grill. Opened in the 1950's, this open air diner is only open during the summer and includes all original (although repainted) signs, and unfortunately updated prices. On the weekends, you will also often still see Eddie and his wife taking orders and frying up burgers. They also have mini juke boxes on the tables and are attached to a Dairy Queen. Root Beer is served out of a wooden barrel and they have, I would say, the most delicious burgers I have ever had. (The Chili Dogs are not bad either.)

mmm...makes my mouth water just looking at it (we went twice last weekend)

Yet another Northern Ohio favorite and now one of my summer staples... Madsen Donuts. Just the smell could have been enough...until I had my first fresh jelly donut. I'm hooked! Again, only open in the summer, but worth the wait every time. It would be so fun to have a donut shop that was this tasty. Would be perfect to add on to the cupcake shop Melissa and I are going to open someday...

Donuts best served on a napkin and eaten promptly...yummy.

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